
Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Tenney Park Beach
A popular urban beach offering swimming, kayaking, and volleyball. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the summer.
- Urban Setting: Located in downtown Madison with easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- Events & Activities: Offers a variety of events like concerts, yoga classes, and summer festivals.
- Water Sports: Kayak rentals available for exploring Lake Monona.
2. Olin Park Beach
A tranquil beach along the Yahara River featuring a sandy shore and a fishing pier.
- Tranquil Setting: A quieter alternative to busier beaches in downtown Madison.
- Fishing Opportunities: Equipped with a fishing pier for anglers of all ages.
- Picnic Areas & Grills: Offers picnic areas and grills for a peaceful lunch by the water.
3. Lake Mendota Beach House
A full-service beach facility on Lake Mendota with swimming, boat rentals, and a cafe.
- Full Service Beach: Includes amenities such as restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
- Boat Rentals: Offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals for exploring the lake.
- Cafe & Snack Bar: Provides food and drinks to keep you refreshed during your day at the beach.
4. Picnic Point Beach
A scenic beach on Lake Mendota known for its panoramic views and sunsets.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
- Sunset Watching: Ideal location for watching beautiful sunsets over Lake Mendota.
- Quiet & Serene: A less crowded, more secluded beach experience.
5. Marshall Park Beach
A small beach on Lake Monona with a sandy shore and a dock for fishing and boating.
- Small & Intimate: A more intimate setting compared to larger beaches in the area.
- Fishing Dock: Equipped with a dock for fishing and boating activities.
- Scenic Views of the Capitol: Features views of the Wisconsin State Capitol in the distance.
6. James Madison Park Beach
A family-friendly beach on Lake Monona with a playground, sand volleyball court, and boat rentals.
- Family-Friendly: Offers amenities like a playground for children.
- Boat Rentals: Includes kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring the lake.
- Sand Volleyball Court: A sand volleyball court is available for fun, friendly games.
7. Park Street Beach
A vibrant urban beach with a sandy shore, swimming, and easy access to shops and restaurants.
- Urban Setting: Located in a lively area of downtown Madison with many shopping and dining options.
- Swimming Area: Offers designated swimming areas for safety and enjoyment.
- Community Events: Hosts community events like concerts and movie nights during the summer.
8. Breese Stevens Field Beach
A unique beach located inside a historic soccer stadium with swimming and music events.
- Historic Setting: Set inside a historic soccer stadium, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Swimming Area: Features a designated swimming area during the summer months.
- Music Events: Hosts music events like concerts and festivals, making it a destination for entertainment.
9. Lake Waubesa Beach
A serene beach on Lake Waubesa with fishing, boating, and opportunities for bird watching.
- Serene Setting: A quieter alternative to the more bustling beaches in downtown Madison.
- Fishing & Boating: Equipped with a boat ramp and offers opportunities for fishing.
- Bird Watching: Provides excellent bird watching opportunities due to the diverse wildlife in the area.
10. Starkweather Beach
A peaceful beach along Starkweather Creek with a picnic area and opportunities for canoeing.
- Peaceful Setting: Offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to larger beaches.
- Picnic Area: Features a picnic area for relaxing and enjoying lunch by the water.
- Canoeing: Offers canoe rentals and access to Starkweather Creek for exploration.
11. Olbrich Beach
A secluded beach at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, perfect for a tranquil escape.
- Secluded Setting: Set within the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens, providing a serene atmosphere.
- Nature & Wildlife: Surrounded by diverse plant and wildlife, offering an opportunity to connect with nature.
- Botanical Gardens Access: Provides easy access to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens for exploration.
12. Lake Farm Park Beach
A family-oriented beach with a playground, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing.
- Family-Friendly: Offers amenities like a playground for children.
- Fishing Opportunities: Equipped with fishing areas and a boat ramp for boating activities.
- Picnic Areas: Features picnic areas for relaxing and enjoying meals by the water.
13. Pheasant Branch Conservancy Beach
A scenic beach along Pheasant Branch Creek with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Setting: Located within the beautiful Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife.
14. Mazomanie Beach
A sandy beach on Lake Wisconsin with swimming, fishing, and a concession stand.
- Sandy Shore: Features a sandy shore for relaxation and playing.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing areas for anglers of all ages.
- Concession Stand: Provides a concession stand for food and drinks during your visit.
15. Devil's Lake State Park Beach
A scenic beach within the Devil's Lake State Park offering swimming, hiking, and rock climbing.
- Scenic Setting: Located within the stunning Devil's Lake State Park.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for exploring the surrounding landscape.
- Rock Climbing Opportunities: Known for its rock climbing opportunities, attracting climbers from around the world.